Group Urges African Union To Tackle Infrastructure Deficit, Power Inefficiency for Economic Growth, Development

African nations should expunge self centeredness, learn to position Africa to create employment for the teeming youth and take cue from Ghana’s “knowledge bank” job creation concept.

United Kingdom based organisation, Africa Economic Summit Group has called on the African Union to tackle infrastructure deficit and power inefficiency in the continent to drive economic growth and development for the continent.

AESG is an organisation that drives perspectives and stimulates strategic discussions around Africa’s economic challenges and policy priorities under the leadership of its founder, Dr Brian Reuben.

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In a communique that was read by Dr. Reuben at the post conference press conference in Lagos pointed out that competition does not have to be against one another as everyone should focus on innovative ways of moving the continent forward.

“African nations should expunge self centeredness, learn to position Africa to create employment for the teeming youth and take cue from Ghana’s “knowledge bank” job creation concept.

“Local products should be sold in local currencies in Africa. African policy makers need to be patriotic because it will go a long way to enhance trade consistency, imbue confidence within the region.”

According to the communique, there is a need to digitalise regulatory agencies in the continent for ease of doing business.

“Governments of countries in Africa should revisit some restrictions they have in place at their borders as the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) will not thrive under such draconian policies, “it said.

On the lack of access to electricity in the continent, the communique urged African states to collaborate to solve the energy crisis while also committing to a transition to cleaner energy.

He said: “Nigeria needs power notwithstanding the seeming constraints, as its catalyst to economic development.

“Governments in Africa need to commit to deploy gas to solve power problems.

“Africa must rise to take its God-given pride of place especially in economy. Africa must not position itself for second fiddle, as it has the human and natural resources it requires to lead.

“Government must reduce wastage. Africa can become the wealth custody to the rest of the world.

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“Africa must prepare the people and provide an enabling business environment. It must see the private sector as a means of entrepreneurial development.”

He noted that through the summit, the Africa Economic Summit Group, hopes to facilitate new investment and encourage business development in the continent.